Toronto radio device John Oakley ends his 46-year television career by retiring from 640 Toronto today after more than two decades at the station under Corus Entertainment.
Oakley, whose program aired in the afternoon, has earned a reputation as one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian talk radio. Corus Entertainment called him “known for his keen intellect, wit and provocative commentary,” adding that he remains “one of the most vibrant and enduring voices in Canadian talk radio.”
He joined AM 640 in 2003 after a long run at several stations around the country, where he anchored in the mornings for 13 years before moving to afternoons. He began his career in 1980 after a student internship at CKMS-FM in Waterloo.
In a statement earlier this week, he reflected on the milestone.
“It’s been a privilege to interact with this city every day,” he said on his last morning show on Nov. 28.
“The listeners, the callers, the conversations… it all meant a lot to me,” he added.
“I'm proud and grateful for the 22 years I spent at 640 Toronto. And yes, it's always a great day for talk radio.”
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The final Friday broadcast was filled with gratitude from colleagues, listeners and former employees.
One montage captured what supporters described as his influence on Toronto's media landscape: “He asked the hard questions. Help people answer. Now it's time to hang up the mic.” Another caller told him, “You're an extraordinary storyteller… you know, that's really something special.”
Several longtime listeners marked the moment with an audio montage as a sign of gratitude.
“I just appreciate how rare it is for someone to work at a job for over 40 years without completely losing their minds. I wish you all the best in your next chapter after 18 years of listening to every show,” the listener said.
Others pointed to his influence on their careers, saying: “Johnny, I want to thank you because if it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here. We'll miss the fire, we'll miss the laughter. We'll miss the call.”
As the final few hours on air began, Oakley responded with characteristic humor, saying, “He chose the last day to say something nice about me.”
He added that retiring after more than four decades was “bittersweet,” noting his “22 and three months” at 640 Toronto and the relationships he formed through radio.
“It’s amazing because I don’t know that there are many other professions that would provide opportunities like this that are open and available to you,” he said, reflecting on colleagues, guests, sponsors and longtime friends.
He ended the program, as he had begun so many times, by ringing the bell.
Oakley acknowledged the finality of the moment, saying, “So it's come to an end. This is the last time (I'll ring the bell).”
Corus says details about the new line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
